Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These are traits that most children display at some point or another. But to establish a diagnosis of ADHD, sometimes referred to as ADD, the symptoms should be inappropriate for the child's age.

ADHD is common in children and teens. Adults also can have ADHD. With ADHD in adults, there may be some variation in symptoms. For instance, an adult may experience restlessness instead of hyperactivity. In addition, adults with ADHD consistently have problems with interpersonal relationships and employment.

Types of ADHD

There are three different types of ADHD, including:

combined ADHD (the most common type), which involves all of the symptoms

inattentive ADHD (previously known as ADD), which is marked by impaired
attention and concentration

hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, which is marked by hyperactivity without
inattentiveness

For a diagnosis of ADHD, some symptoms that cause impairment must be present
before age seven. Also, some impairment from the symptoms must be present in
more than one setting. For instance, the person may be impaired at home and
school or home and work. Also, there must be clear evidence the symptoms
interfere with the person's ability to function at home, in social environments,
or in work environments.

Symptoms of ADHD

There are three different categories of ADHD symptoms:
inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.

Inattention may not become apparent until a child enters the challenging
environment of school. In adults, symptoms of inattention may manifest in work
or in social situations.

A person with ADHD may have some or all of the following symptoms:

difficulty paying attention to details and tendency to make careless mistakes
in school or other activities; producing work that is often messy and careless

easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and frequently interrupting ongoing
tasks to attend to trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others

running or climbing excessively when it's inappropriate (in teens this may
appear as restlessness)

having difficulty playing quietly or engaging in quiet
leisure activities

being always on the go

often talking excessively

Hyperactivity may vary with age and developmental stage.

Toddlers and preschoolers with ADHD tend to be constantly in motion, jumping
on furniture, and having difficulty participating in sedentary group activities.
For instance, they may have trouble listening to a story.

School-age children display similar behavior but with less frequency. They
are unable to remain seated, squirm a lot, fidget, or talk excessively.

In adolescents and adults, hyperactivity may manifest itself as feelings of
restlessness and difficulty engaging in quiet sedentary activities.